When Did The Las Posadas Tradition Begin And Why?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In the Eastern churches the feast dates back

to the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the site of Christ’s tomb) in Jerusalem circa 335

. It was adopted by the Roman Catholic Church in the 7th century and is also observed in various Protestant traditions, including Lutheranism and Anglicanism.

When did Las Posadas start in Mexico?

The celebration has been a Mexican tradition for over 400 years, starting in

1586

. Many Mexican holidays include dramatizations of original events, a tradition which has its roots in the ritual of Bible plays used to teach religious doctrine to a largely illiterate population in 10th- and 11th-century Europe.

When did Las Posadas start?

In the Eastern churches the feast dates back

to the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the site of Christ’s tomb) in Jerusalem circa 335

. It was adopted by the Roman Catholic Church in the 7th century and is also observed in various Protestant traditions, including Lutheranism and Anglicanism.

How did Las Posadas start?


The Augustinian friars of San Agustin de Acolman, near Mexico City

, are believed to have organized the first posadas. In 1586, Friar Diego de Soria, the Augustinian prior, obtained a papal bull from Pope Sixtus V to celebrate what was called ‘Misas de Aguinaldo’ or ‘Christmas bonus masses’ between December 16 and 24.

Who invented Las Posadas?


Spanish missionaries

are believed to have created the posada tradition after they brought Roman Catholicism to Mexico in the 16th century. Some accounts say they used Las Posadas to teach the story of Jesus’ birth and to coincide with local nine-day fiestas celebrating the birth of the Aztec sun god, Huitzilopochtli.

What food do they eat on Las Posadas?

After the piñata comes dinner: traditional posada fare is

tamales, buñuelos, atole and café de olla

. The tamales are made with corn dough, softened with lard and beaten until the dough reaches ‘water stage’: a small ball of dough should float when put in a glass of water; if it sinks, it needs to be beaten more.

What is Navidad Las Posadas?

Feliz Navidad (

Merry Christmas

), from Mexico! Las Posadas is an important Mexican tradition during the holidays–complete with prayer, music, food, and piñatas. Las Posadas, a nine-night celebration from December 16

th

to 24

th

, is an important part of Christmas celebrations in Mexico.

How does Mexico say Merry Christmas?

In Mexico most people speak Spanish (Español), so Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘

Feliz Navidad

‘.

How do you say Posada in English?

noun, plural po·sa·das [poh-sah-duhz; Spanish paw-sah-thahs]. (in some Spanish-speaking countries)

a government-operated or -approved inn offering moderately priced rooms to

tourists, especially in a historic area.

What happens on the last night of Las Posadas?

On December 24th, the ninth and final night of the Posada,

everyone attends midnight mass

. Midnight mass is called Misa de Gallo, Mass of the Rooster. Then the real celebrations begin after mass. Santa Claus does not arrive, Christmas presents are not exchanged, this is not part of the Mexican traditional Christmas.

What is the symbol of Las Posadas?

First, a 7-cone star (estrella) representing the Star of Bethlehem; second, a donkey (burro) representing the animal on which Mary rode pregnant to Bethlehem; and third,

a Christmas tree

(árbol de Navidad) – all of which are traditional shapes used for the 9 days of Las Posadas, Christmas and the Three Kings in Mexico.

What is the Filipino Christians Celebration equivalent of Las Posadas?

CAINTA, Rizal—

“Panuluyan

,” the Tagalog version of the Mexican “Las Posadas” which literally means seeking entrance or seeking lodging in Bethlehem, is being prepared in some areas of the metropolis and the surrounding areas to usher in the celebration of Christmas.

How do you make Posadas?


Give each person a candle and a few sparklers

. The candles are lit during the singing and procession (caminata) and the sparklers are lit at the end just before dinner. The outside group approaches the first door, singing. The inside group responds in song, but does not open the door.

Are piñatas a Christmas tradition?

Christmas Piñatas are a Mexican tradition. In every Mexican neighborhood, there is a housewife every couple of blocks who supplements her income year-round by making all sizes, shapes and designs of piñatas.

What do you do in a posada?

The word posada means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish. In this tradition, the Bible story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their

search for a place to stay is re-enacted

. The tradition also involves a special song, as well as a variety of Mexican Christmas carols, breaking piñatas, and celebration.

What are the names of three hot beverages they drink during Las Posadas?

Finally, the “peregrinos” found a place to spend the night, and now it is time to celebrate. During the “posadas” there are typical dishes and drinks; you will find the traditional “

ponche”

, a hot drink that is made of fruits such as: apples, oranges, lemon, tejocote, prunes, and guava.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.